Carkol sits in the middle of its evolution line — stronger than Rolycoly but not yet at full power. Most trainers push through to Coalossal as fast as possible. Watch the Water and Ground matchup though — quadruple damage means one hit can end it. Known as the Coal Pokemon.
Bulk defines Carkol's stat line. Defense and HP anchor the defensive side, but Speed can't keep up offensively. Common in the wild and worth 2 Defense EVs.
The temperature inside its body increases when it experiences strong emotions. It rolls around frantically while spewing flames.
Due to the coal tar created inside it, the heap of coal on Carkol’s back never falls apart, even when the Pokémon rolls around at high speeds.
Carkol Weakness
VulnerableType-wise, Carkol takes extra damage from Water, Ground, Fighting, and Rock. Watch out for Water and Ground attacks, those deal 4x damage. With 7 resistances, the defensive profile is strong. Flash Fire grants an additional Fire immunity, reshaping the matchup chart.
Partway through Rolycoly's chain. Carkol still has another evolution ahead before reaching Coalossal. For breeding, quick to hatch with plenty of partners via one egg group. HP has grown the most so far (+50), but there's still another 100 stats to gain in the final evolution.
How to Evolve
Breed with Carkol to get Rolycoly eggs easily using 84 partners from the Mineral egg group.
The build centers on Stealth Rock and survivability. Eviolite means a bulk boost that only works before full evolution, and max HP and Sp. Def EVs give Carkol the bulk to set up repeatedly. Flame Body adds another layer of staying power.
Best Build
Best Carkol Moveset
- Stealth Rock
- Rapid Spin
- Flamethrower
- Will O Wisp
Recommended Teammates
TMs carry this one. Carkol learns Overheat and Flare Blitz naturally for STAB, but the offensive range comes almost entirely from technical machines. Normal and Fighting and beyond give it real matchup play.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Breeding's the move. Block and Explosion give Carkol options it can't learn any other way, and Normal and Fighting coverage and more already covers a decent range on top of Burn Up and Overheat. The egg moves push it further.
decent spawn rates across 2 locations for Carkol in mid-game routes. Scroll the sorted list below and pick whichever spot sits closest to your current route. The rate differences between locations are worth comparing.
Where To Catch Carkol in Scarlet & Violet
The path to Carkol starts with Rolycoly at Lv. 5-34 via walking encounters. 2 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Catch RolycolyEFFORTLESSEast Province (Area Three) - MineScarletOverworldLv.5-2330%EarlyRouteEFFORTLESSEast Province (Area Three) - MineVioletOverworldLv.5-2330%EarlyRouteMODERATEEast Province (Area Three) - CaveScarletOverworldLv.5-2310%EarlyRouteMODERATEEast Province (Area Three) - CaveVioletOverworldLv.5-2310%EarlyRoute
Step 2Carkol ✓EASYEast Province (Area Three) - MineVioletOverworldLv.25-3418%MidRouteEASYEast Province (Area Three) - MineScarletOverworldLv.25-3418%MidRouteor evolve from Rolycoly (Step 1)
Carkol starts showing up in mid-game routes at high spawn rates across 12 encounter spots. The list below is sorted so you can pick what fits your current progress without scrolling through everything.
Where To Catch Carkol in Sword & Shield
Rolycoly is your first catch on the way to Carkol. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 10-65 across 44 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Catch RolycolyEFFORTLESSRoute 3 - GarbageShieldOverworldLv.10-1399%EarlyRouteAll WeatherEFFORTLESSRoute 3 - GarbageSwordOverworldLv.10-1399%EarlyRouteAll WeatherEFFORTLESSGalar MineShieldOverworldLv.11-1435%EarlyCaveAll WeatherEFFORTLESSGalar MineSwordOverworldLv.11-1435%EarlyCaveAll WeatherEFFORTLESSGalar MineShieldGrassLv.11-1530%EarlyCaveAll WeatherEFFORTLESSGalar MineSwordGrassLv.11-1530%EarlyCaveAll WeatherEFFORTLESSGiant's Cap - 2ShieldOverworldLv.28-3050%MidIntense SunEFFORTLESSGiant's Cap - 2SwordOverworldLv.28-3050%MidIntense SunEFFORTLESSGiant's Cap - 3ShieldOverworldLv.29-3250%MidIntense SunEFFORTLESSGiant's Cap - 3SwordOverworldLv.29-3250%MidIntense SunMODERATEMotostoke RiverbankSwordOverworldLv.26-2810%MidSandstormMODERATEMotostoke RiverbankShieldOverworldLv.28-3010%MidIntense SunMODERATEMotostoke RiverbankShieldOverworldLv.28-3010%MidSandstormMODERATEMotostoke RiverbankSwordOverworldLv.26-285%MidIntense SunEFFORTLESSGiant's Cap - GroundSwordOverworldLv.31-3460%LateIntense SunEFFORTLESSGiant's Cap - GroundShieldOverworldLv.31-3460%LateNormal WeatherEFFORTLESSGiant's Cap - GroundSwordOverworldLv.31-3460%LateNormal WeatherEFFORTLESSGiant's Cap - GroundShieldOverworldLv.31-3460%LateSandstormEFFORTLESSGiant's Cap - GroundSwordOverworldLv.31-3460%LateSandstormEFFORTLESSGiant's Cap - GroundShieldOverworldLv.31-3460%LateHeavy FogEFFORTLESSGiant's Cap - GroundSwordOverworldLv.31-3460%LateHeavy FogEFFORTLESSGiant's Cap - GroundShieldOverworldLv.31-3460%LateOvercastEFFORTLESSGiant's Cap - GroundShieldOverworldLv.31-3460%LateIntense SunEFFORTLESSGiant's Cap - GroundSwordOverworldLv.31-3460%LateOvercastEFFORTLESSGiant's Cap - GroundSwordOverworldLv.31-3430%LateSnowingEFFORTLESSGiant's Cap - GroundSwordOverworldLv.31-3430%LateSnowstormEFFORTLESSGiant's Cap - GroundSwordOverworldLv.31-3430%LateRainingEFFORTLESSGiant's Cap - GroundSwordOverworldLv.31-3430%LateThunderstormMODERATEGiant's Cap - GroundShieldOverworldLv.31-3410%LateSnowingMODERATEGiant's Cap - GroundShieldOverworldLv.31-3410%LateSnowstormMODERATEGiant's Cap - GroundShieldOverworldLv.31-3410%LateRainingMODERATEGiant's Cap - GroundShieldOverworldLv.31-3410%LateThunderstorm
Step 2Carkol ✓EFFORTLESSStony WildernessShieldGrassLv.26-2840%MidIntense SunEFFORTLESSStony WildernessSwordGrassLv.26-2840%MidIntense SunEFFORTLESSGiant's CapShieldOverworldLv.28-3040%MidIntense SunEFFORTLESSGiant's CapSwordOverworldLv.28-3040%MidIntense SunEFFORTLESSGiant's CapShieldOverworldLv.28-3040%MidSandstormEFFORTLESSGiant's CapSwordOverworldLv.28-3040%MidSandstormMODERATEBridge FieldShieldGrassLv.26-2810%MidIntense SunMODERATEBridge FieldSwordGrassLv.26-2810%MidIntense SunEASYBallimere LakeShieldOverworldLv.60-6520%PostWaterIntense SunEASYBallimere LakeSwordOverworldLv.60-6520%PostWaterIntense SunEASYLakeside CaveShieldOverworldLv.60-6515%PostCaveAll WeatherEASYLakeside CaveSwordOverworldLv.60-6515%PostCaveAll Weatheror evolve from Rolycoly (Step 1)
Carkol is meant to evolve into Coalossal. At 410 BST, the stats aren't there for competitive play yet. Pre-evolution Pokemon rarely hold up against fully evolved threats.
Carkol's biggest threats include Greninja (Water), Excadrill (Ground), and Conkeldurr (Fighting), all carrying super-effective STAB moves. Greninja is the most dangerous since Water moves deal 4x damage. Rock-type attackers are also a problem.
Flash Fire is what you want on Carkol. Every competitive set worth running is built with that ability in mind. The alternatives (Steam Engine, Flame Body) work on paper but Flash Fire is what makes Carkol worth using.
Base 50 Speed is low. Priority moves or Trick Room are the way to go. On offense, Carkol is a special attacker with base 60 Sp. Atk. Defensively? Enough bulk to take a hit or two.
Carkol can be found in Scarlet & Violet and Sword & Shield.
Carkol joined the series in Sword & Shield and has been available in 2 titles so far. With 2 generations of appearances, it's established itself despite the later start.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRB
Red & Blue - Gen IIGS
Gold & Silver - Gen IIC
Crystal - Gen IIIRS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen IIIFRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen IIIE
Emerald - Gen IVPt
Platinum - Gen IVHGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen IVDP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen VBW
Black & White - Gen VB2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen VIXY
X & Y - Gen VIORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen VIIUSUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen VIISM
Sun & Moon - Gen VIILGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen VIIISwShDebut
Sword & Shield - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A